Obituary of Michael Joseph Shreffler

Michael Joseph Shreffler, born July 20, 1947, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 5th, of heart disease, and was prepared to test his theories on the existence of heaven or hell. He lived 64 years, most of it his own way. He had many life-long friends. Most babies, oldsters, and animals loved him - other people...not so much. Especially if your opinions differed from his. He was the neighborhood "Cat Whisperer" because he had strays fixed, adopting a few, feeding them all. He was a Viet Nam veteran, purple heart recipient, and a Marine to the end. In his lifetime he was a cook, a cab driver, a deputy sheriff (Summit County), an auditor (Summit County), a bar manager, a roofer and finally a tavern owner. He was also a very talented artist, sign painter, and wood carver. When asked about his funeral, his first choice was a Viking funeral on the Portage Lakes, where he lived most of his adult life. After convincing him the Coventry fire department wouldn't appreciate a burning boat on West Reservoir, he opted for an American Indian stilt funeral in the back yard. Knowing the irritation the neighbors would undergo, he finally settled for a more dignified and normal burial. But- that was Michael. He had friends from St. Paul's, Hower High, the Marines, and the bar business. You either loved him or hated him. If he was your friend or if you needed anything he was there for you, and he had a big, generous heart. He didn't wish any bad luck on anyone, but in some cases he enjoyed Karma's revenge. Passing before him in 1980 was his father, Paul Shreffler. Waiting to help him complete his journey is his cherished mother Genevieve Shreffler, who passed in 2005. He is survived by his wife and partner Merrilyn, his children Michael Jr., Sabrina (Darryl) McElyea, Rebecca (Ken) Haney, and Shalee Watkins. His grandchildren Misae, Keegan, Jacob, Kaylee, Reagan, Coty and Tyler will miss him greatly. He also leaves his sister Paula Sands and brother Patrick Shreffler, many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and his step-sister and friend Ruth Lambright. His "brother" John and friend Jimmy will also miss him terribly, as will all his other friends. As we all will. "Michael is Michael." He did it his way. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home KUCKO-ANTHONY-KERTESZ CHAPEL, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A funeral service will take place on Sunday at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will full military honors will take place at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256 or go to www.woundedwarriorproject.com.